Medical garment and methods of making thereof

ABSTRACT

A medical garment comprising a first panel and a second panel, the first and second panels being configured to connect at a first side of the garment and at a second side of the garment, wherein the second side of the garment comprises a second connection portion wherein the first panel and the second panel connect at a first permanent connection point. Also a garment comprising a first panel, second panel, and third panel, wherein the first panel is configured to connect to the third panel at a first side of the garment by a first permanent connection fastener and the second panel is configured to connect to the third panel at the first side of the garment by a second permanent connection fastener, the first permanent connection fastener is configured to provide a first slit, and the second permanent connection fastener is configured to provide a second slit.

This application is a National Stage entry of International Application No. PCT/US2018/056035, filed on Oct. 16, 2018, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/573,484, filed Oct. 17, 2017, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

In medical settings, garments such as examination gowns are often worn by patients in order to allow easy access to various parts of the patient's body. However, in many cases, these garments do not provide an acceptable amount of access to the patient, while also providing acceptable privacy for the patient. For example, examination gowns commonly used in the art include a completely open back (i.e., a back with no permanent closure), which often results in unnecessary exposure of the patient's body during examination by a practitioner. In addition, many examination garments known in the art result in unwanted gaping at various access points of the garment, which also results in unnecessary exposure of the patient's body. Examination gowns known in the art are also often difficult for a patient to use, due to, for example, ties that are difficult to grip and tie.

There is thus a need in the art for a medical garment that provides acceptable access to a patient's body, as well as acceptable privacy for the patient, while also being easy for a patient and practitioner to use.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a garment to be worn in a medical setting and methods of making the same. In one example implementation, the garment comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a sleeve. According to some aspects, the first panel and the second panel may be permanently connected at one or more permanent connection points. The garment may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more reversible connection points. According to some aspects, the garment may comprise one or more access portions for accessing the body of a user wearing the garment.

Additional advantages and novel features of these aspects will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first side of a first example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a closed view of the first side of the example garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows a second side of the example garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B shows a second side of the example garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A shows the first side of the example garment of FIG. 1 in a partially closed view.

FIG. 4B shows the first side of the example garment of FIG. 1 in a partially closed view.

FIG. 5A shows a first view of another example garment being worn by a user according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows a second view of the garment of FIG. 5A being worn by a user.

FIG. 5C shows a third view of the garment of FIG. 5A being worn by a user.

FIG. 5D shows a fourth view of the garment of FIG. 5A being worn by a user.

FIG. 5E shows a first side of a first example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a sleeve of an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows details of a disconnectable fastener for an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows garment pattern elements for use in making an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an example cutting pattern for use in making a garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a first view of another example garment in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a second view of the example garment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a third view of the example garment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 shows a fourth view of the example garment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 shows a fifth view of the example garment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 shows a sixth view of the example garment of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a garment to be worn in a medical setting. An example garment in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a sleeve. According to some aspects, the first panel and the second panel may be permanently connected at one or more permanent connection points. The garment may alternatively or additionally comprise one or more reversible connection points. According to some aspects, the garment may comprise one or more access portions for accessing the body of a user wearing the garment.

According to some aspects, the garment may be a gown, for example, an examination gown. It should be understood that the garment may be any garment suitable for a medical setting, including but not limited to hospitals, doctor offices, etc. The garment may comprise any material suitable for such use, including but not limited to, polyester, nylon, cotton, silk, a moisture wicking material, or any combination thereof.

According to some aspects, an example garment 100 may comprise a first panel 101 having a first edge 101 a and a second panel 103 having a second edge 103 a such that when used together, the first panel 101 and the second panel 103 may be closed to form the garment 100. It should be understood, however, that while example garment 100 may comprise two discrete panels (i.e., first panel 101 and second panel 103), garment 100 may optionally comprise more than two discrete panels, or it may comprise one discrete piece of material. For example, garment 100 may comprise one discrete piece of material that may be wrapped around a wearer and secured on one side of the wearer (e.g., wherein a first edge overlaps a second edge as described herein, or vice versa). Alternatively, garment 100 may comprise, for example, three panels as shown in FIG. 3B. As can be seen in FIG. 3B, garment 100 may comprise a first panel 101, a second panel 103, and a third panel 306, which may together form garment 100 as described herein. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3B, the first panel 101 and/or the third panel 306 may comprise a first sleeve 102 or a portion thereof, and the second panel 103 and/or third panel 306 may comprise a second sleeve 104 or a portion thereof. It should be understood that, for example, the first panel may comprise a first sleeve portion and the third panel may comprise a second sleeve portion, wherein together, the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion may form first sleeve 102. Similarly, the second panel may comprise a first sleeve portion, and the third panel may comprise a second sleeve portion, wherein together, the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion may form second sleeve 104. The first panel 101, the second panel 103, and/or the third panel 306 may be connected such that together, they cover at least a portion of a user's body.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second panels 101, 103 may be connected along a first connection portion 201 to close the first side of the garment 100, which, for example, may be designated a “front side” of the garment 100 as shown in FIG. 2. As used herein, the “front side” of the garment refers to the side of the garment proximal the anterior of a wearer. It should be understood, however, that the garment may be reversible. That is, according to some aspects, the garment may be configured such that when worn, either side of the garment may be the “front side” depending on which side is proximal the wearer's anterior, and vice versa.

According to some aspects, the first panel 103 may comprise a first overlap portion 201, wherein a first edge 103 a of the second panel 103 overlaps a corresponding first edge (see edge 101 a of FIG. 3A) of the first panel 101, or vice versa. In this way, the first side (see view of FIG. 2) may completely cover at least a portion of the user wearing the garment 100.

According to some aspects, the first panel 101 and the second panel 103 may be connected on the first side at one or more disconnectable connection points. As used herein, the term “disconnectable connection point” refers to a point at which two portions of the garment 100 may be connected in a disconnectable manner. For example, the disconnectable connection point may be a connection provided by a selectably connectable and/or disconnectable fastener. Examples of such fasteners include any fastener known in the art that are configured to reversibly connect two portions of a garment 100 and are suitable for use in a medical setting. For example, the faster may be selected from the group consisting of a tie, snap, button, fabric hook and loop fastener, zipper, buckle, hook and eye, cord, toggle, brooch, eyelet, and/or combinations of any of the foregoing.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the first and second panels 101, 103 may also be connected along a second connection portion 301 to provide, for example, a permanent connection between the first and second panels 101, 103 on the second side of the garment 100 (i.e., the view of the garment 100 shown in FIG. 3A). The second side of the garment 100 as shown in FIG. 3A, for example, may be designated a “back side” of the garment 100. It should be understood again, however, that the garment 100 may be reversible; that is, either the first side or the second side of the garment 100 may be designated the “front side” depending on how a user is wearing the garment 100. It should therefore be understood that any description of a “front side” herein may also refer to a “back side,” depending on how a wearer is wearing the garment, and vice versa. For example, FIG. 3B shows a second side of garment 100 that mat be designated the “back side.” However, as shown in FIG. 3B, the neck 317 of garment 100 may be configured as a v-neck that mirrors or substantially mirrors, for example, a neck 511 formed on a “front side” of the closed garment 500, such as when the disconnectable fasteners thereon are in a “closed” or “tied” position (for example, as shown in FIG. 5E).

According to some aspects, the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 may be connected on the second side, as shown in FIG. 3A, at one or more disconnectable connection points, in addition to one or more permanent connection points, such as along connection point 301. As used herein, the term “permanent connection point” refers to a point at, or segment along which, two portions of the garment 100 are connected in a manner that is not easily disconnected. For example, the permanent connection point may be a connection provided by a permanent fastener. Examples of permanent fasteners include any fastener known in the art that are configured to non-disconnectably connect two portions of a garment and are suitable for use in a medical setting. For example, such non-disconnectable faster may comprise a seam sewn into the garment, glue, or combinations thereof.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first panel 101 and the second panel 103 may be connected on the second side (as shown in FIG. 3A) along a permanently connected segment 301 and by a one or more third disconnectable fasteners 302 at a third reversible connection point. In the example garment 100 shown in FIG. 3A, the one or more third disconnectable fasteners 302, may comprise, for example, two snaps, although it should be understood that other types of disconnectable fasters may alternatively or additionally be used.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the third disconnectable connection point 302 may be located at or near a portion of the garment 100 that forms a neck of the garment 100. As used herein, the term “neck” or “neck of the garment” refers to the portion of the garment 100 about which a user may place his or her neck. According to some aspects, the third disconnectable connection point 302 may be located at approximately the edge of the neck of the garment 100, also referred to herein as the “neckline,” of the garment 100, that is, for example, the third disconnectable connection point 302 may be located such that the third disconnectable connection point 302 is no more than about 1 inch (e.g., 1 inch+/−10%) away from the neckline. It should be understood, however, that the third disconnectable connection point 302 may be located along any portion of the second connection portion 301, e.g., at or near a portion of the garment on the opposite side of the neck and/or any portion in between.

As also shown in FIG. 3A, the third disconnectable connection point 302 may be located such that when the first panel and the second panels 101, 103 are connected on the second side (e.g., when one or more of the third disconnectable fastener(s) 302 are in a “closed” or “snapped” position), one or more portions of the third disconnectable fastener(s) 302 may be visible. It should be understood that in the example garment shown in FIG. 3A, one or more portions of the third disconnectable fastener(s) 302 (e.g., portion(s) of a snap(s)) located on the second panel 103 may provide the third connection point by coopering with corresponding portion(s) of the faster(s) (e.g., portion(s) of a snap(s)) located on the first panel 103.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the first panel 101 and the second panel 103 may alternatively or additionally be connected on the second side (view of FIG. 3A) along segment 301 by a first permanent faster located along such segment 301. In the example garment 100 shown in FIG. 3A, the first permanent faster may comprise, for example, a seam 305 sewn into the garment 100.

According to some aspects, the first permanent faster along segment 301 may comprise one or more “box seams”; that is, seam 305 may be sewn into the garment 100 in a rectangular or square configuration. For example, the box seam may form a rectangle having four straight sides with unequal adjacent sides, or may form a square having four straight sides with equal adjacent sides.

For example, according to some aspects, the box seam may form a square or rectangle having a first pair of opposite sides with a first length. For example, the first pair of opposite sides may have a first length of between 2 and 6 inches, optionally between 3 and 5 inches, optionally between 3.5 and 4.5 inches, optionally 4 inches, optionally 4.5 inches, and optionally 4.25 inches. According to some aspects, the box seam may form a square or rectangle having a second pair of opposite sides with a second length. For example, the second pair of opposite sides may have a second length of between 2 and 6 inches, optionally between 3 and 5 inches, optionally between 3.5 and 4.5 inches, optionally 4 inches, optionally 4.5 inches, and optionally 4.25 inches. It should be understood that the first length and the second length may be the same or different.

According to some aspects, the box seam may comprise one or more cross seams. For example, according to some aspects, the box seam may comprise one or more seams spanning from one side of the box seam to an opposite or adjacent side of the box seam. According to some aspects, the box seam may comprise one or more seams spanning from one corner of the box seam to the opposite corner of the box seam.

According to some aspects, the first pair of opposite sides may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the second edge of the second panel and/or the second edge of the first panel. Thus, for example, the first pair of opposite sides may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the height of the user wearing the garment. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” refers to the relationship between two straight lines or planes such that the two straight lines or planes deviate from exactly parallel by no more than 5°.

Alternatively, the first pair of opposite sides may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second edge of the second panel and/or the second edge of the first panel. Thus, for example, the first pair of opposite sides may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the height of the user wearing the garment. As used herein, the term “substantially perpendicular” refers to the relationship between two straight lines or planes such that the two straight lines or planes deviate from exactly perpendicular by no more than 5°.

According to some aspects, the first permanent fastener may be located at approximately the midline of the garment in a direction parallel to the height of the user wearing the garment. For example, the first permanent fastener may be located such that a center of the first permanent fastener is no more than about 1 inch (+/−10%) away from the midpoint between the neckline of the garment 100 and an opposite edge of the garment 100.

According to some aspects, the first permanent fastener may be located at a first distance from neckline. For example, the first permanent fastener may be located such that a center of the first permanent fastener is between 20 and 25 inches from the neckline, optionally between 21 and 24 inches, optionally between about 22 and 23 inches, and optionally 22.5 inches.

FIG. 3B shows another example view of garment 100 of FIG. 1. As described herein, FIG. 3B shows garment 100 having a first panel 101, a second panel 103, and a third panel 306. As shown in FIG. 3B, the third panel 306 may be connected to the first panel 101 by a first permanent connection fastener 307, for example. The third panel 306 may be connected to the second panel 103 by a second permanent connection fastener 308, for example. According to some aspects, first permanent connection fastener 307 and/or second permanent connection fastener 308 may comprise a seam sewn into garment 100. As shown in FIG. 3B, first permanent fastener connection fastener 307 may comprise a seam having a length extending from a first seam point 309 located at or proximal an edge of sleeve 104 to a second seam point 310. It should be understood that second seam point 310 may be located a certain distance from a bottom edge 311 of garment 100, for example, to provide a slit 312 having a certain length 313. As used herein, the term “slit” refers to an uninterrupted cut or opening. It should be understood that the length 313 of slit 312 shown in FIG. 3B corresponds to approximately the shortest distance between second seam point 310 and bottom edge 311 of garment 100 when in a worn position. It should also be understood that a similar or identical slit 319 may be provided in conjunction with second permanent connection fastener 308.

According to some aspects, length 313 of slit 312 and/or length of slit 319 may be selected to provide optimized function for a wearer. For example, the length(s) may be selected to provide optimal mobility to a wearer without compromising privacy. The length(s) may be selected to provide optimal access to a wearer. The length(s) may be selected to provide comfort to a wearer when seated or when lying down, for example, by reducing or eliminating bunching of portions of garment 100.

According to some aspects, length 313 of slit 312 and/or length of slit 319 may be between about 5 and 20 inches, optionally between about 7 and 18 inches, optionally between about 10 and 16 inches, and optionally about 14 inches. According to some aspects, length 313 of slit 312 and/or length of slit 319 may be about 14.25 inches.

According to some aspects, first permanent connection fastener 307 may be provided at a pitch relative to a first side edge 314 of garment 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, first permanent connection fastener 307 may be provided from about the armpit 315 of garment 100 to bottom edge 311 of garment 100 at a certain pitch (angled or curved direction of extension) in order to provide a certain distance between slit 312 and the first side edge 314 of garment 100. It should be understood that first side edge 314 of garment 100 refers to the portion of garment 100 along a line corresponding to about the shortest distance between armpit 315 of garment 100 and bottom edge 311 of garment 100. As shown in FIG. 3B, first permanent connection fastener 307 may be provided at a pitch such that an end of slit 312 is provided a certain distance 316 from first side edge 314 of garment 100 at the bottom edge 311 thereof. According to some aspects, distance 316 may be between about 0.01 and 10 inches, optionally between about 0.01 and 5 inches, and optionally about 3 inches. It should also be understood that a similar or identical dimensions may be provided by the second permanent connection fastener 308 relative to a second side edge 318.

According to some aspects, all or a portion of first permanent connection fastener 307 and/or second permanent connection fastener 308 may be replaced by one or more disconnectable fasteners, as described herein, in order to provide a disconnectable connection point mirroring all or a portion of first permanent connection fastener 307 and/or second permanent connection fastener 308 as shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4A shows another view of the garment 100 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first panel 101 and the second panel 103 may be connected on the first side (view of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) by a first disconnectable fastener 401 at a first connection point and/or by a second disconnectable fastener 402 at a second connection point, as well as a third disconnectable fastener 402 a. In the example view of garment 100 shown in FIG. 4A, both of the disconnectable fasteners 401, 402 are ties, although it should be understood that a different type of fastener may alternatively or additionally be used.

As further shown in FIG. 4A, the first disconnectable connection point may be located such that when the first panel 101 and the second panel 103 are connected on the first side (e.g., when the first panel 101 is in a “closed” or “tie” position), the first disconnectable fastener 401 a shown in FIG. 1 may not be fully visible. In particular, the first disconnectable fastener 401 a may comprise a fastener (or a portion of a fastener, such as a portion of a tie) tieable or otherwise connectable to a fastener (or a portion of a fastener, such as a portion of a tie) 401 b behind the first edge 403 of the first panel 101, such that when the second panel 103 is folded to overlap the first edge 403 of the first panel 101 to form the first overlap portion (see overlap 201 in FIG. 2), the second panel 103 fully covers the connected first disconnectable fastener 401 a, 401 b. It should be understood that in the example garment 100 shown in FIG. 4A, the portion of the first reversible fastener 401 a located near the first edge 403 of the first panel 101 may thereby provide the first connection point by coopering with the corresponding portion of the fastener (e.g., a portion of a tie) 401 b located on the second panel 103.

As also shown in FIG. 4A, the second disconnectable fasteners 402 a, 402 b may be located such that when the first panel 101 and the second panel 103 are connected on the first side (e.g., when the second disconnectable fastener 402 a is in a “closed” or “tied” position with the second disconnectable fastener 402 b), a portion or all of one or both of the second fasteners 402 a, 402 b may be visible. For example, one second disconnectable fastener 402 b may comprise a fastener (or a portion of a fastener, such as a portion of a tie), for example, located near the first edge 404 of the second panel 103, such that when the second panel 103 overlaps the first edge 403 of the first panel 101 to form the first overlap portion (overlap 201 of FIG. 2), the second reversible fastener 402 a, 402 b may remain visible. It should be understood that in the example garment 100 shown in FIG. 4A, the portion of the second reversible fastener 402 a located on the first edge 404 of the second panel 103 may provide the first connection point by coopering with the corresponding portion of the faster 402 b (e.g., a portion of a tie) located on the first panel 101.

It should be understood that while FIG. 4A shows only two reversible connection points (i.e., a first point where fastener 401 a connects with fastener 401 b, and a second point where fastener 402 a connects with fastener 402 b), the first panel 101 and/or the second panel 103 may each comprise one, two, three, or more disconnectable fastener portions to provide the one, two, three, or more reversible connection points. For example, FIG. 4B shows an example garment 100 having three reversible connection points. In particular, FIG. 4B shows an example garment having a reversible connection point at a first point where fastener 401 a connects with fastener 401 b, similar to the first point shown in FIG. 4A. Similar to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B also shows a fastener 402 a that may be connected with a corresponding fastener (not shown in FIG. 4B) to provide a second reversible connection point. FIG. 4B also shows a reversible connection point at a third point where fastener 403 a connects with fastener 403 b

According to some aspects, the first edge of the first panel and/or the first edge of the second panel may be configured to provide an acceptable access area. For example, as shown in the example garment 500 of FIG. 5A, the first edge 503 of a first panel 501 may comprise at least a first edge portion 503 a and at least a second edge portion 503 b having an angle 507 therebetween so as to provide access to the user wearing the garment 500 while also providing acceptable privacy. According to some aspects, the angle may be between 1° and 180°, optionally between 45° and 135°, and alternatively optionally between 90° and 135°. FIG. 5E shows another example of garment 500 with an angle 507 a that is different from angle 507 in FIG. 5A, thereby providing a different level of privacy when worn by a wearer.

According to some aspects, upon closing of the first panel 501 and the second panel 502, the second panel 502 may overlap the first panel 501, or vice versa. In this way, the closed garment 500 may completely cover at least a portion of the wearer.

It should be understood that the exact configuration, position, and/or dimensions of the first permanent fastener (e.g., fastener 305 in FIG. 3A) may be configured to provide acceptable function of the garment. For example, according to some aspects, the first permanent fastener may be configured to provide a user with acceptable privacy, such as to avoid gaping of the garment along the second connection portion. According to some aspects, the first permanent fastener may be configured to provide acceptable access to a user wearing the garment. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the permanent fastener 510 may be configured to provide a first access portion to provide acceptable bathroom access for a user when the second side is designated as the “back side.” As shown in FIG. 5C, the permanent fastener 510 may be configured to provide a second access portion to provide acceptable upper back access for treating a user when the second side is designated as the “back side.” As shown in FIG. 5D, the permanent fastener 510 may be configured to provide a third access portion to provide acceptable upper chest access for treating a user when the second side is designated as the “front side.”

Returning to FIG. 1, as discussed above, the first panel 101 and/or third panel 306 may comprise a first sleeve 102 or a portion thereof and the second panel 103 and/or third panel 306 may comprise a second sleeve 104 or a portion thereof. As used herein, the term “sleeve” refers to the portion of a garment (e.g. garment 100) through which a user may place his or her arms.

According to some aspects, the first sleeve and/or the second sleeve may be configured to provide a sleeve access portion for accessing the shoulder and/or arm of the user wearing the garment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sleeve may comprise a sleeve overlap portion 601 connected by one or more disconnectable sleeve fasteners 602. It should be understood that sleeve overlap portion 601 may be located where an edge of the first panel 101 (in FIG. 3B) overlaps an edge of the third panel 306 (in FIG. 3B), or vice versa. It should also be understood that the reversible sleeve fastener(s) may comprise any of the disconnectable fasteners described herein. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the disconnectable sleeve fastener(s) may be replaced by a permanent sleeve fastener, for example, any of the permanent fasteners as described herein.

As shown in FIG. 6, the sleeve overlap portion 601 of the garment example 600 may extend the complete length of the sleeve. That is, the sleeve overlap portion may extend from a point on the neckline 603 to a point at an edge of the sleeve 604, for example.

According to some aspects, each sleeve may comprise four reversible sleeve fastener(s). The four reversible sleeve fastener(s) each may be identical or may differ. According to some aspects, the distance between each of the four reversible sleeve fastener(s) and an adjacent reversible sleeve fastener and the distance between a different one of the four reversible sleeve fastener(s) and an adjacent reversible sleeve fastener may be the same or substantially the same; that is, the difference in spacing between two consecutive fasteners may be no more than one inch.

It should be understood that the exact configuration, position, and/or dimensions of the reversible sleeve fastener(s) may be configured to provide acceptable function of the garment. For example, the reversible sleeve fastener(s) may be configured to hold the sleeve overlap portion 601 together when the reversible sleeve fastener(s) are in a “closed” position, while avoiding gaping of the garment at the sleeve overlap portion 601 between the fasteners 602.

According to some aspects, any one of the reversible fastener(s) and/or the permanent faster(s) may comprise a gripping device configured to aid the user wearing the garment when moving the reversible fastener(s) and/or the permanent faster(s) between and open and closed position. For example, when the reversible fastener(s) comprise a tie, one or more portions of the tie may comprise a gripping device thereon to aid the user in gripping. FIG. 7 shows an example gripping device 701 comprising a loop at the end of a tie to aid in a user's grip of the tie.

Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to methods of making the garment as described herein, as further described in the below Example Implementations.

EXAMPLE IMPLEMENTATIONS Example 1: Example Garment Pattern and Dimensions

FIG. 8 shows an example garment pattern for use in making an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure, including example dimensions (shown in inches). In particular, for example, FIG. 8 shows a first portion of a first panel 801 and a first portion of a second panel 802, along with a second (identical) portion for both the first and the second panel 803. FIG. 8 also shows example dimensions for a permanent faster 804 and a configuration wherein the first edge of the first panel comprises at least a first edge portion 805 and at least a second edge portion 806 having an angle therebetween so as to provide access to a portion of the user wearing the garment while also providing acceptable privacy. FIG. 8 also shows example dimensions for pockets of the garment 807, a portion of the neck of the garment 808, and sleeves of the garment 809, among other features. It should be understood, however, that certain measurements according to FIG. 8 may be selected to provide optimized function. For example, FIG. 8 shows a distance 811 between a pocket 807 and a shoulder edge 810 to be about 8.75 inches. However, distance 811 may be between 0.01 inches and 20 inches, optionally between about 5 inches and 15 inches, and optionally between about 6 and 10 inches. According to some aspects, distance 11 may be about 7.5 inches. As shown in FIG. 8, one or more pockets 807 may cover or substantially cover at least one access slit 812. The at least one access slit 812 may be provided to allow acceptable access to a wearer, and in particular, acceptable access to a chest of a wearer. According to some aspects, the access slit may have a length of between about 0.01 and 10 inches, optionally between about 1 and 7 inches, optionally between about 2 and 6 inches, optionally between about 3 and 5 inches, optionally about 3 inches, and optionally about 4 inches.

Example 2: Example Garment Pattern

FIG. 9 shows an example cutting pattern to be used to produce the garment from a single sheet of fabric, according to aspects of the present disclosure. That is, for example, FIG. 9 shows a pattern to be used with a single piece of fabric in order to efficiently cut the various components of the garment as described herein. As shown in FIG. 9, this example cutting pattern saves at least 48 square inches of fabric compared to other cutting patterns in the art.

Example 3: Example Production Steps for Preparing Garment

To prepare an example garment in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the following steps may be followed, for example, using the example garment pattern shown in FIG. 8.

-   -   1. For the edges of front and back pieces, serge the edges and         leave all selvages raw.     -   2. Finish the edges of neckline and front opening     -   3. Finish the edges of back overlap piece (left back piece)     -   4. Finish telemetry hole     -   5. Finish and attach chest patch pocket     -   6. Finish and attach side patch pocket     -   7. Attach shoulder snaps: align and edge stitch snap tape on         shoulder seams     -   8. Attach back snaps at back neckline     -   9. For gown pattern pieces: sew together left front piece to         left back piece at side seams (½″), sew right front piece to         right back piece at side seams (½″).     -   10. Finish sleeve hem.     -   11. Sew back pieces together with box stitch (sew square         4.5″×4.5″ at edge, and cross stitch diagonally)     -   12. Double turn back (0.25″) edge width wise of twill tape and         turn again to make (1.5″) thumb loops on twill tape. Tight         zig-zag stitch thumb tabs down.     -   13. Attach ties: turn back opposite edge width wise of twill         tape (0.25″) and tight zig-zag stitch it down on the gown.

While the aspects described herein have been described in conjunction with the example aspects outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the example aspects, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to embrace all known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents.

Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

Further, the word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. Nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

As used herein, the term “about” and “approximately” and “substantially” are defined to being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the term “about” and “approximately” and “substantially” are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

KEY TO FIGURE NUMBERS

-   100 Garment example -   101 First panel -   101 a First edge -   102 First sleeve -   103 Second panel -   103 a Second edge -   104 Second sleeve -   201 Overlap -   301 Second connection portion -   302 Third disconnectable fastener -   305 Seam -   306 Third panel -   307 First permanent connection fastener -   308 Second permanent connection fastener -   309 First seam point -   310 Second seam point -   311 Bottom edge -   312 Slit -   313 Slit length -   314 First side edge -   315 Armpit -   316 Slit distance -   317 Neck -   318 Second side edge -   319 Slit -   401 a First disconnectable fastener -   401 b First disconnectable fastener -   402 a Second disconnectable fasteners -   402 b Second disconnectable fastener -   403 First edge of first panel -   404 First edge of second panel -   500 Garment example -   501 First panel -   502 Second Panel -   503 First edge -   503 a First edge portion -   503 b Second edge portion -   507 Angle -   507 a Angle -   510 Permanent fastener -   511 Neck -   600 Garment example -   601 Sleeve overlap portion -   602 Fastener -   603 Neckline -   604 Sleeve -   701 Gripping device -   801 First panel -   802 Second panel -   803 Second panel -   804 Permanent fastener -   805 First edge portion -   806 Second edge portion -   807 Pocket -   808 Neck -   809 Sleeve -   810 Shoulder edge -   811 Pocket distance -   812 Slit 

1. A medical garment, comprising: a first panel; and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel being configured to connect at a first side of the garment and at a second side of the garment, wherein the first side of the garment includes: a first connection portion where the first panel and the second panel are connectable at a first disconnectable connection point, and wherein the second side of the garment includes: a second connection portion where the first panel and the second panel connect at a first permanent connection point.
 2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the first permanent connection point is provided by a first permanent fastener, the first permanent fastener comprising a seam sewn into the garment.
 3. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the seam comprises a box seam.
 4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the first connection portion further comprises: a second disconnectable connection point, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connectable at the second disconnectable connection point.
 5. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the first panel comprises a first sleeve, wherein the second panel comprises a second sleeve, and wherein the first sleeve comprises a first sleeve access portion.
 6. The garment according to claim 5, wherein the first sleeve access portion comprises one or more reversible sleeve fasteners.
 7. The garment according to claim 6, wherein the first sleeve access portion comprises four reversible sleeve fasteners.
 8. The garment according to claim 18, wherein the angle is between about 90° and 135°.
 9. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment is an examination gown.
 10. A medical garment, comprising: a first panel; a second panel; and a third panel, wherein: the first panel is configured to connect to the third panel at a first side of the garment by a first permanent connection fastener, and the second panel is configured to connect to the third panel at the first side of the garment by a second permanent connection fastener, the first permanent connection fastener is configured to provide a first slit at the first side of the garment, and the second permanent connection fastener is configured to provide a second slit at the first side of the garment, and the first slit extends from a bottom edge of the garment to a first end of the first permanent connection fastener, and the second slit extends from the bottom edge of the garment to a first end of the second permanent connection fastener.
 11. The medical garment according to claim 10, wherein the first permanent connection fastener comprises a first seam and the second permanent connection fastener comprises a second seam.
 12. The medical garment according to claim 10, wherein the first slit has a length of between about 5 and 20 inches, and the second slit has a length of between about 5 and 20 inches.
 13. The medical garment according to claim 10, wherein the first permanent connection fastener is provided at a pitch relative a first side edge of the garment such that the first slit is provided at a first distance from the first side edge at a bottom edge of the garment.
 14. The medical garment according to claim 13, wherein the first distance is between about 0.01 and 10 inches.
 15. The medical garment according to claim 10, wherein the second permanent connection fastener is provided at a pitch relative a second side edge of the garment such that the second slit is provided at a second distance from the second side edge at a bottom edge of the garment.
 16. The medical garment according to claim 15, wherein the second distance is between about 0.01 and 10 inches.
 17. The medical garment according to claim 10, wherein a second side of the garment includes: a first connection portion where the first panel and the second panel are connectable at a first disconnectable connection point, and a second connection portion where the first panel and the second panel are connectable at a second disconnectable connection point.
 18. The medical garment according to claim 17, wherein the second side of the garment further includes: a third connection portion where the first panel and the second panel are connectable at a third disconnectable connection point.
 19. The medical garment according to claim 10 further comprising a first sleeve having a first sleeve access portion, the first sleeve access portion comprising four reversible sleeve fasteners.
 20. The medical garment according to claim 19 further comprising a second sleeve having a second sleeve access portion, the second sleeve access portion comprising four reversible sleeve fasteners. 